New Commitment Grew Up a Tiger Fan

Mobile, Ala.--All-State Williamson High School standout Brandon Smith says that he has had an interest in Auburn football for a long time.

On Monday the 6-1, 185-pounder announced that he is committed to the Tigers even though he plans to make a junior college start to his collegiate football career.

"Auburn was one of the schools I have always wanted to go to along with Oregon and Florida," Smith says.

A player who can play a variety of positions, Williamson High head coach Bobby Parrish says the decision was made to play Smith at quarterback as a junior because of his ability to make good things happen when the football is in his hands.

"We went 10-4 this season and I had about 1,300 yards rushing with 23 touchdowns and 1,338 yards passing with 19 touchdowns," Smith says. "I believe Auburn is recruiting me as an athlete. I will play wherever they need me."

Smith spent his ninth and 10th grade years at nearby Murphy High School before transferring to Williamson. "At Murphy I played running back and defensive back and at Williamson I played quarterback," he says.

Because he is not on schedule to be an academic qualifier to play Division I football this coming fall, he is being recruited by junior colleges. He will be a sign to place prospect for the Tigers.

"I've talked to Jones County and Mississippi Gulf Coast," Smith says of those two Mississippi-based junior colleges. "I've already visited Jones and I'm scheduled to visit Gulf Coast this Thursday."

Commenting on his academics, Smith says, "I wasn't very focused at first, but when I got to Williamson I had to buckle down and get in the books. I've taken the ACT, but I've not received my scores yet. I'm scheduled to take it two more times."

Smith notes that Auburn assistant James Willis, who coaches linebackers for the Tigers, is recruiting him for AU. "I first met Coach Willis this past summer at camp," the Williamson senior says. "He's been by the school a few times to check on me. He's a nice guy."